Three ways to raise funds

Working closely with Crowdfunder provides us with the missing link that enables sustainability, renewable energy and energy efficiency projects to connect with people and businesses to raise the vital funding they require to enable their low carbon dreams to become a reality. There are three ways to raise funds, and their team of experts are on hand to help you every step of the way.

Offer rewards

Offer Community Shares

Offer Equity

Hundreds of community energy groups have raised essential funding through Crowdfunder, but there’s a lot to know before you start a project of your own. You could be looking to raise anything from a couple of hundred pounds, to tens of thousands of pounds for a wide range of different things.

Projects come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and the platform guides you through the process step-by-step, while their team of expert coaches will step in to give you the best possible advice. If you’re unsure, send us a few details and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (Scotland)

Community Generation Fund

A fund managed by The FSE Group (a Community Interest Company) which provides loans for social enterprises looking to develop and retain ownership of renewable energy installations. Loans for both project development costs and construction are available. More details (open new window)

First Great Western Community Fund

Considers support and funding requests upon application for community programmes that benefit the environment. More details (opens new window)

Polden Puckham Charitable Foundation

Organisation offering annual grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 to projects aimed at environmental sustainability. More details (opens new window)

Rural Community Energy Fund

The Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) is specifically targeted at helping rural communities access the money needed to carry out feasibility studies into renewable energy projects, and fund the costs associated with applying for planning permission. It is intended that projects will then be able to attract private finance to pay for renewable energy kit and get projects up and running. More details (opens new window)

Shell Springboard Trust

Awards £320,000 each year to around 8 initiatives aimed at carbon emission reduction. Applications are accepted on a yearly basis.More details (opens new window)

Tellus Mater Foundation

A grant making trust which funds and supports charitable organisations and projects looking to achieve self sufficiency in the future. More details (opens new window)

The Carbon Trust

Offers a variety of grants, support and advice to carbon and energy saving projects. More details (opens new window)

The PURE Community Energy Fund

Low interest loans of up to £100,000 to help finance community renewable energy installations and energy efficiency projects.More details (opens new window)

The Community Investment Fund

Set up by fund management company Social and Sustainable Capital – will offer loans from £250,000 to £1 million to “community-based” organisations that aim improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged local people and “provide local solutions to local needs, create jobs, and develop the local economy”. More details (opens new window)

Triodos

Ethical banking and finance service for businesses and charities.More details (opens new window)

The Energy Savings Trust Guide

The Energy Savings Trust Guide to finding funding. More details (opens new window)

Renewable Energy Centre

More information about grants and funding from the Renewable Energy Centre, including:

• Grants for Home Energy Efficiency Measures
• National Grants for Domestic, Community and Business Renewables Projects
• Local Grants for Renewables Projects
• Financial assistance for Commercial Renewables Projects